(KUTV) Four families have been displaced and more than $300,000 in damage was done in a four-alarm fire Monday afternoon on the west side of Salt Lake City.

Firefighters battled the blaze in two homes -- 141 S. 900 West and 151 S. 900 West -- for more than three hours. The cause of the fire was unclear Monday evening.

Fire officials said the majority of the flames were contained in two hours and 25 minutes. Crews and investigators planned to remain at the scene until at least Tuesday morning to make sure it is out and investigate the cause.

The fire started just before 3:00 p.m. The blaze started in the home at 141 S. 900 West and spread to the other, according to fire officials.

No injuries were reported, although some pets were reportedly inside the homes at the time of the fire. The Salt Lake City Fire Department said blaze destroyed the two homes, two outdoor sheds, and two cars.

About 65 firefighters were called to help battle the flames and smoke where multiple witnesses reported explosions.

People in homes in the area tried to battle the blaze and prevent it from spreading with garden hoses before fire crews arrived.

Because of the thick smoke fire crews told those in the area to move to avoid breathing thick, black smoke that could be seen from around the Salt Lake City area.

According to Salt Lake City spokesman Matthew Rojas, the property at 141 S. 900 West is a "hoarder situation." Rojas said the city has visited the house multiple times a month for years in an effort to get the neighbor to clean up the property. Rojas said the city has imposed liens against the property and has cleaned it up several times.

Rojas said the city does not have the power to condemn the property and has been unable to serve the property owner because they couldn’t find him.

Salt Lake City Fire officials said between six and eight people were living at 151 S. 900 West, while one person lived at 141 S. 900 West.